Joe is the father of two sons with hemophilia. He and his wife, Cazandra, are active members in the bleeding disorders community and often facilitate workshops both locally and nationally. Joe is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and writes a blog about spirituality and faith. You may follow his blog at www.joekmac.com.Two common themes that appear in my columns are conflict and reconciliation. Once a problem has been resolved and I can reflect on it, I look for insights about how to face the struggles of living with hemophilia. Taking the time to do this has resulted in a change in…
Last Friday, I went about my day as usual. It’s one of my days off, and I was looking forward to some free time. As I made plans for the weekend, my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen and saw my youngest son Caeleb’s face. I smiled because…
When I reflect on the unexpected detours my life took when my wife, Cazandra, and I had children, I cannot help but feel gratitude for them. They led me to where I am now. The author and teacher Joseph Campbell once wrote: “We must be willing to…
My recent columns have focused on my experience at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual Bleeding Disorders Conference, held Aug. 21-23 in Aurora, Colorado. I wrote about fun times with colleagues and new friends, and offered my gratitude to salespeople who truly care. I shared that my…
My wife, Cazandra, and I enjoy speaking on topics critical to the bleeding disorders community, as both of our adult sons live with hemophilia. A few weeks ago, we had the chance to lead a seminar called “Telling Our Stories” at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual…
Last week, my wife, Cazandra, and I attended the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual symposium. As parents of two adult sons who have severe hemophilia A, or factor VIII deficiency, we’re familiar with the lay of the land. The conference provided a space for us to discover…
Ethan Ash, a member of the Bionews team (actually, its executive vice president of business development), called me over to tell me it was my turn to hit the golf ball. He interrupted me as I was talking with Erica Millman, another member of our Bionews team and the…
As I sat in my chair at home, I heard Julian, who’s 29 and my oldest son, singing at the top of his lungs. Every note floated higher as if it would touch the clouds. My thoughts were interrupted, but I welcomed his sound, which fills my soul. Julian expresses…
My youngest son, Caeleb, came to the table the other day with a massive grin on his face. “Guess what?” he said. “I just received an email from housing at the University of New Mexico [UNM], confirming that I have a dorm room for the school year. Can you believe…
In my years of discussing my sons’ bleeding disorders here, I too have had a hereditary disorder: essential tremors, which I inherited from my mother’s side of the family. While my disorder isn’t life-threatening, several factors seem eerily similar to my sons’ struggles with hemophilia. My tremors don’t…
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